Episode 21
In the Ming Dynasty's court, a contest about justice and power was fiercely taking place.Hai Rui, the appointed interrogator known for his integrity, is looking at all kinds of injustices inside and outside the court with his sharp eyes.However, in the whirlpool of this trial, Hai Rui involved many forces including the Weaving Bureau and the palace, triggering a thrilling power game.
Yang Jinshui, as an important figure in the Weaving Bureau, was deeply disturbed by Hai Rui's trial actions.He urgently asked Zhao Zhenji and Shangshu to remove Hai Rui from his position as juror, trying to prevent this trial that might reveal the truth.But Zhao Zhenji knew very well that Hai Rui and Wang Yongji were impartial and selfless, and they would not favor any criminals, nor engage in malpractice for personal gain.Therefore, even if he participated in playing for them, King Yu would not agree.Faced with this dilemma, Yang Jinshui went crazy overnight, which undoubtedly added more complexity and uncertainty to the trial.
At the same time, the imperial court ordered that Shen Yishi's property be confiscated and returned to the national treasury.However, Zheng Michang and He Maocai privately sold these properties to Huizhou merchants.Although Zhao Zhenji had an imperial edict, he not only did not fight, but signed and sealed the agreement.Hai Rui was keenly aware that Zhao Zhenji was trying to figure out the holy will and please Emperor Jiajing.He concluded that Zheng Michang was greedy for money, while Zhao Zhenji was greedy for fame.Faced with this situation, Hai Rui decided to investigate the case in depth and reveal the truth.
During the trial for several days, Zhao Zhenji shelved the case.One morning during the meeting, he wore casual clothes in the deposit room and showed his leisure, intending to make the Jinyiwei people think that Hai Rui was tracking down the Weaving Bureau.However, Hai Rui expected that if the Weaving Bureau was not investigated, Zhao Zhenji would force Huizhou merchants to produce more silk, and then buy Sannon's raw silk at half price to please the palace and Emperor Jiajing.However, this approach will only make the national treasury more empty and the people will still be exploited.Without investigating the Weaving Bureau, those corrupt officials would have no way to investigate, and even the actual facts of destroying embankments and flooding fields and secretly colluding with Japanese pirates to frame good people would be nowhere to be investigated.
Faced with such a shocking case, Hai Rui knew that he must persevere.He resolutely stood together with Wang Yongji, determined to uncover the truth of all this.Things developed as Hai Rui expected. Zhao Zhenji colluded with Jin Yiwei to move Zheng Michang and He Maocai to their custody.Zhao Zhenji defended himself by saying that the most important thing was to prepare military supplies to suppress the Japanese and defend the enemy. Instead, he accused Hai Rui of ignoring the Japanese invaders, burning, killing, raping and plundering.
